A groundbreaking new study challenges the centuries-old understanding of what it means to live well, suggesting that happiness and meaning are not the only pillars of the “good life.” Instead, researchers have introduced a third dimension—psychological richness—centering on curiosity, variety, and the kind of challenging experiences that transform one’s perspective, even if they are neither pleasurable nor overtly meaningful. This innovative “third path” is now receiving international attention, and its implications resonate deeply with Thai readers seeking new ways to define personal fulfillment in a rapidly changing world.
For generations, the search for a good life has revolved around two core principles: happiness, defined by pleasure and positive emotion, and meaning, characterized by purpose and fulfillment. But mounting evidence—now formalized in research conducted by leading psychologists at the University of Florida and the University of Chicago—shows that a significant number of people aspire to something distinct: a life that is not always easy, but is undeniably interesting and mind-expanding. As summarized by one of the study’s lead authors, a UF psychologist: “We found that what was missing was psychological richness—experiences that challenge you, change your perspective, and satisfy your curiosity” (MedicalXpress).
The new research, published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, defines psychological richness as “a life filled with diverse, perspective-changing experiences.” These do not have to be dramatic or life-changing events—they may be as simple as delving into a powerful novel, listening to an emotionally charged piece of music, or encountering a new culture. Such events stand apart from those commonly associated with joy or purpose; for instance, the challenging experience of attending university or experiencing a natural disaster like a hurricane may be neither happy nor innately meaningful, but both can fundamentally alter the way a person sees the world.
Long a topic in Western philosophy—since the days of Aristotle—well-being has typically been framed in terms of hedonic (pleasure) versus eudaimonic (meaning-based) fulfillment. The current study, however, argues that these dimensions are incomplete, particularly for people who value novelty, intellectual stimulation, and the growth that comes from confronting adversity. According to the University of Florida researcher, “What we’re doing is saying, there’s another path that’s just as important. And for some people, it’s the one they value most.” The study’s co-author from the University of Chicago further emphasizes that, while many individuals seek some blend of all three ideals, there are inevitable trade-offs: “Interesting experiences aren’t always pleasant experiences. But they’re the ones that help us grow and see the world in new ways.”
The researchers’ interest in this third path began almost a decade ago, with the creation of measurement scales to quantify “psychological richness” in 2015 and the formal introduction of the concept in 2022. Their latest work expands these ideas cross-culturally, finding that the notion of a psychologically rich life fills an important gap in the way people worldwide understand well-being. The study involved tracking responses to challenging life events. For example, the research team’s ongoing tracking of university students’ emotional reactions to approaching hurricanes revealed that many participants did not derive pleasure or a clear sense of meaning from the experience, but saw it as psychologically rich—one that profoundly reshaped their outlook.
This nuanced perspective on well-being also aligns with elements of Thai culture. Thailand’s rich Buddhist traditions long emphasize the transformative value of suffering and impermanence, encouraging individuals to embrace life’s inevitable hardships as sources of personal development. Experiences such as ordination retreats, meditation in remote temples, or journeys through unfamiliar provinces are often valued not merely for their happiness or meaning, but for their power to expand a person’s worldview. Older generations, and even popular proverbs such as “knowledge comes with experience,” echo this appreciation for the challenges and changes that enrich life beyond happiness and meaning.
For Thai readers, the implications of this research are particularly relevant in the current era. The country is undergoing social, economic, and environmental transitions. Many younger Thais, navigating university life, overseas study, or sudden disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are discovering that the most memorable and formative moments often arise from challenging experiences rather than comfort or clarity. Likewise, Thai families who have faced adversity during natural disasters—such as flooding in the Chao Phraya basin or historic droughts in Isaan—may recognize, in hindsight, how these hardships bonded communities and changed how individuals see themselves and their world.
Expert observers in positive psychology caution, however, that psychological richness is not a direct substitute for happiness or meaning. As the University of Florida psychologist explains, psychologically rich experiences may be unpleasant or ambiguous at the time they occur, and not all individuals will seek them out or find value in them. Thai mental health professionals suggest that balancing all three dimensions—pleasure, meaning, and richness—can yield a more resilient and adaptable society. A psychiatrist affiliated with a major Bangkok teaching hospital noted, “Our patients often find purpose in narrative therapies that help them reinterpret painful memories as sources of growth, rather than simply traumas to forget. This supports the idea that psychological richness is vital for healing and resilience” (source).
Thai educators and policy planners might also see practical relevance in these findings. The Ministry of Education’s ongoing reforms emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and exposure to diverse experiences—a clear shift away from rote memorization toward a model of learning that values transformative challenges. University administrators have begun to develop exchange programs and interdisciplinary studies that place students outside their comfort zones. One official in the Ministry’s Higher Education division commented that, “We want our graduates not only to be knowledgeable or successful, but also adaptable and curious—ready for the future’s uncertainties.”
Globally, the “third path” is gradually entering mainstream discussion, especially within cultures facing rapid technological and demographic changes. In Japan, for instance, the philosophy of ‘ikigai’ (a reason for being) now incorporates both meaning and psychological complexity. In Europe and North America, mental health advocates increasingly promote exposure therapy and narrative re-authoring, both of which draw on the transformative potential of challenging, perspective-shifting experiences (Trends in Cognitive Sciences).
Looking ahead, the concept of psychological richness could reshape everything from self-help literature and psychological therapy to educational systems and public health messaging. In Thailand, this may encourage a rethinking of success—not as the absence of hardship or the achievement of clear goals, but as a willingness to embrace change, pursue curiosity, and draw wisdom from adversity. Mental health campaigns might highlight how adapting to life’s ups and downs can foster psychological resilience and community solidarity. Social media influencers and educators could help normalize the discomfort that comes with growth, reframing ‘failure’ not as a setback, but as an opportunity for richness.
As the research cautions, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to well-being. Nonetheless, Thais from all walks of life can benefit from reflecting on which of the three “goods”—happiness, meaning, and richness—matters most at different stages of life. The new science suggests that those who actively seek out challenges and variety may be better prepared to face uncertainty, adapt to change, and ultimately lead lives that are not only happy or meaningful, but truly psychologically rich.
For Thai readers interested in applying this insight, start by seeking out activities that stretch your perspective—join a new club, travel to an unfamiliar province, read a novel outside your usual genre, or learn a new skill that seems intimidating. Celebrate hardship as a teacher, not just an obstacle. And when reflecting on life’s ups and downs, remember that it is often the challenging, complex experiences—the ones that don’t fit neatly into “happy” or “meaningful” categories—that stay with us, deepen our character, and connect us more fully to others.
Readers can access the full research article and related analysis at MedicalXpress and via Trends in Cognitive Sciences.